Synthesis of layered metal sulfide ion-exchangers

ABSTRACT

Methods for the synthesis of compounds of the formula A 2x M x Sn 3-x S 6 , where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li + , Na + , K + , or Rb + ; and M is Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ , or Fe 2+ , are provided. Also provided are methods of remediating fluid samples using the compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/709,425 that was filed Oct. 4, 2012, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Metal chalcogenide-based ion exchangers are layered structures with loosely bound interlayer cations. The presence of the soft chalcogen ligands in these materials can induce innate selectivity for heavier metal ions and against hard ions. However, layered chalcogenides with ion exchange properties are scarce. Examples include ion-exchangers of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆. However, the conventional synthetic methods for the isolation of these compounds are not cost-effective. For example, these compounds have been made using alkali metal poly sulfides via the reaction of A₂S and S where A₂S is synthesized in liquid ammonia. Unfortunately, that method requires expensive chemicals and equipment.

SUMMARY

Methods for the synthesis of compounds of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1 (including, for example, x values in the range from 0.5 to 0.95); A is Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺, or Cs⁺; M is Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, or Fe²⁺, are provided. Also provided are methods of remediating fluid samples using the compounds.

The synthesis can be a solid state synthesis or a hydrothermal synthesis. For example, one embodiment of the present methods is a solid state method comprising heating a reaction mixture comprising, or consisting of, A₂CO₃, M, S and Sn to a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce the compound of formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, via a solid state reaction. In some embodiments, the step of heating the reaction mixture comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of no greater than about 1000° C. (e.g., no greater than about 850° C.) for a time of no greater than about 15 hours. Despite the short reaction times, the solid state methods are able to provide high product yields of the compound having formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆. For example yields of at least about 50%, at least 60% and at least 65%, based on total mass, are possible with reaction times of 15 hours or fewer.

Another embodiment of the present methods is a hydrothermal method comprising heating a reaction mixture of A₂CO₃, M, S, Sn and water to a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce the compound of formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, via a hydrothermal reaction. In some embodiments, the step of heating the reaction mixture comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of no greater than about 250° C. (e.g., no greater than about 220° C.) for a time of no greater than about 5 hours. Despite the low reaction temperatures and the short reaction times, the hydrothermal methods are able to provide high product yields of the compound having formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆. For example yields of at least about 70%, at least 80% and at least 95%, based on total mass, are possible with reaction times of 5 hours or fewer and reaction temperatures of 250° C. or lower.

Also provided are methods for the remediation of fluid samples using the chalcogenides. The methods comprise exposing a fluid sample comprising metal ions to an ion exchange medium comprising a chalcogenide compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 0.95; A is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, or Cs⁺; and M is Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, or Fe²⁺. In the methods, the chalcogenide compounds absorb the metal, which can then be removed from the fluid sample.

The chalcogenide compounds can be used to remove a variety of metal ions from a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) sample, including ions of metals that pose an environmental and/or health risk. Thus, examples of fluid samples that can be remediated by the present methods include, waste water generated from a nuclear reactor, an industrial plant or from mining processes, such as ore leaching. Examples of metal ions that can removed from the liquid samples include Cr⁶⁺, Nd³⁺, As³⁺, As⁵⁺, Se⁴⁺, and Se⁶⁺ ions. In addition, the chalcogenide compounds can be used to remove elemental metals, such as mercury or silver, from a fluid sample, such as a sample obtained from an ore leaching process, that comprises cyanide complexes, such as K₂Hg(CN)₄ and KAg(CN)₂.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A). The Sn/Mg substituted layer showing the octahedral coordination of the metal sites and the three coordinate sulfur atoms.

FIG. 1(B). The layers of FIG. 1(A) represented in polyhedral form, showing the potassium ions that lie (disordered) between the layers.

FIG. 2. The Cs⁺ equilibrium curve for KMS-2. The Langmuir equilibrium isotherm is derived from the Cs⁺ concentration at equilibrium, plotted against the capacity (mg ions removed/g of sorbent). The data points were fit using the Langmuir model to determine q_(m) (531.7 mg/g KMS-2). Initial pH ˜7, V/m ˜1000 mL/g.

FIG. 3. The Sr²⁺ equilibrium curve for KMS-2. The data points were fit using the Langmuir model to determine q_(m) (86.89 mg/g KMS-2). Initial pH ˜7, V/m ˜1000 mL/g.

FIG. 4. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern of heavy metal exchanged KMS-2.

FIG. 5. Individual ion exchange reactions of KMS-2 at pH ˜7. The K_(d) values for each ion are: 6.28×10⁵ mL/g (Cd²⁺), 8.26×10⁴ mL/g (Pb²⁺), 5.35×10⁴ mL/g (Hg²⁺). C₀ ˜1 ppm. V/m ˜1000 mL/g.

FIG. 6. Competitive ion exchange reactions of KMS-2 at pH ˜7. The K_(d) values for each ion are: 1.07×10⁶ mL/g (Cd²⁺), 3.78×10⁵ mL/g (Pb²⁺), 5.14×10⁴ mL/g (Hg²⁺). C₀ ˜1 ppm. V/m ˜1000 mL/g.

FIG. 7. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern of pristine KMS-2 and Nd³⁺-exchanged KMS-2.

FIG. 8. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern s for pristine KMS-2, As³⁺, Se⁴⁺, and Se⁶⁺-exchanged material.

FIG. 9. SEM/EDS analyses for Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺-exchanged KMS-2.

FIG. 10. UV-Vis analyses of pristine KMS-2, Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺-exchanged KMS-2.

FIG. 11. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern s for pristine KMS-2, and Ag⁺, and Hg²⁺-exchanged materials.

FIG. 12(A). Mid-IR spectrum of the pristine K₂Hg(CN)₄, Hg²⁺-exchanged KMS-2, KAg(CN)₂.

FIG. 12(B). Mid-IR spectrum of the pristine K₂Hg(CN)₄, Ag⁺-exchanged KMS-2.

FIG. 13. Kinetics for absorbing Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ from their cyanide complexes by KMS-2.

FIG. 14. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern s for HgS and the sublimated Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺-loaded KMS-2.

FIG. 15. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern s for simulated and experimental Ag_(3.84)Sn₃S₈.

FIG. 16. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern s for Ag⁰ and the recovered Ag⁰ from Ag_(3.84)Sn₃S₈ phase.

FIG. 17. SEM picture of the hydrothermally synthesized KMS-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein, we describe the layered metal sulfide materials of the general formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺). These materials made of inexpensive, non-toxic elements that can be easily prepared on a large scale and high purity with solid-state or hydrothermal synthesis techniques and are extremely stable in air atmosphere and water, while they display high thermal stability. The layered metal sulfide materials expressed herein represent bona fide examples of chalcogenide compounds with a clay-like cation-exchange capacity. The layered metal sulfide materials embodied herein exhibit facile and highly selective ion-exchange properties for cations of great environmental concern such as Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺; the radioactive isotopes of which are the major contaminants in the fission product of nuclear wastes. The layered metal sulfide materials embodied herein are also extremely capable to clean the water from soft heavy metal ions (e.g. Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺), which constitute a serious health threat for humans and other species. The layered metal sulfide materials exemplified herein are also capable to partially remove Cr⁶⁺ and Nd³⁺ which have chronic effects on the human body. The layered metal sulfide materials embodied herein are also capable to partially remove arsenic and selenium that are typically present in water in the soluble forms of arsenite, arsenate, selenite, and selenate. The layered metal sulfide materials embodied herein can be successfully used to efficiently uptake Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions from their water soluble cyanide complexes that are produced during the oar leaching process using cyanidation technology, and elemental Ag can be recovered from the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺-loaded compound.

Clays and zeolites are characteristic examples of inorganic ion exchange materials. Metal chalcogenides with layered structures and loosely bound interlayer cations could also exhibit similar properties to oxides but with unique attributes. The presence of the soft chalcogen ligands can induce to them innate selectivity for soft (or relatively soft) metal ions such as Cs⁺, Sr²⁺, or heavy metal ions such as Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ag⁺, and against hard ions such as Na²⁺ or Ca²⁺, a property which could be particularly useful for ion discriminations in nuclear wastes or wastewater with heavy metal ion contaminants.

Layered chalcogenides with ion exchange properties remain scarce. Materials that are known, are mainly limited to alkali ion-intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides A_(x)MQ₂ (A=alkali metal ion; M=early transition metal, Q=S, Se, Te). However, such materials are not suitable for practical applications as ion exchangers, due to their thermodynamic and hydrolytic instability.

The main advantages of materials such as A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺) materials against known adsorbents may include one or more of the following:

a) they constitute unique examples of universal ion exchangers. For example, only one material K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95) may be highly effective in various remediation processes that usually need two or more different materials and this can be very important from the economical point of view. Clays, zeolites and titanosilicates are excellent adsorbents for cesium and strontium, but they display low selectivity and binding affinity for mercury; b) they display remarkable selectivity for Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ over hard ions like Na⁺ or H⁺. They are also rare examples of inorganic ion exchangers with significant exchange capacity for Sr²⁺ in acidic environment; c) they can be prepared with a low cost and environmental friendly synthetic procedure and they are remarkably stable in water and air. They display high exchange capacity for a variety of soft heavy metal ions such as Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Ag⁺. Thus, these materials exhibit distinctive advantages over thiol-functionalized adsorbents, which are prepared with a high cost synthesis (due to the use of expensive organic surfactants, organic solvents and organosilane) and display air/water instability arising from the tendency of the thiol-groups to be oxidized to disulfide ones. In addition, most of thiol-functionalized adsorbents display low adsorption capacity for lead or cadmium; d) they are also capable to partially remove Cr⁶⁺ and Nd³⁺ which have chronic effects on the human body; e) they remove As and Se ions from water in the soluble forms of arsenite, arsenate, selenite, and selenate; and f) they can efficiently extract the metals (e.g. Ag⁺, Hg²⁺) from the formed cyanide complexes which is one of the long-term issues associated with Ore leaching process using cyanidation technology.

The synthesis of A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ materials, where x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; and M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, can be achieved with various methods as further described below. From an economical point of view, the most attractive method is the hydrothermal synthesis involving the reaction:

3A₂CO₃+14S+2M+4Sn→2A₂MSn₂S₆+A₂S₂O₃+3CO₂

The structure of KMS-2 was solved and refined in the space group P6₃/mmc. K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95) (KMS-2) has a layered structure (CdI₂ type) featuring layers of edge sharing “Sn/Mg”S6 octahedra. The structure is a derivative of the lamellar SnS₂ phase featuring a substitution of some of the Sn atoms by magnesium. The substitution creates a negative charge in the framework that is balanced by potassium ions. Each metal center is octahedral, while S atoms are all three coordinate (FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B)).

A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ materials may act as ion exchangers. We present here some exemplary test results for the K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2) compound (Table 1).

TABLE 1 Selected data for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3−x)S₆ (x = 0.5-0.95, KMS-2) and its Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ exchanged analogues. d-spacing KMS-2 Ion Exchange Nominal Measured of w/ Given Ions Composition Composition (002) KMS-2 K₂Mg₁Sn₂S₆ K_(1.8)Mg_(0.8)Sn_(2.02)S_(5.8) 8.52 Å Cs⁺ Cs₂Mg₁Sn₂S₆ Cs_(1.6)Mg_(0.9)Sn_(2.02)S_(5.4) 8.99 Å Sr²⁺ Sr₁Mg₁Sn₂S₆ Sr_(0.9)Mg_(0.8)Sn_(2.02)S_(5.6) 13.8 Å

Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺-remediation properties of KMS-2 were also tested. The maximum Cs⁺ exchange capacity (qm) of KMS-2 was found to be 531.7 mg/g (4.00 mmol/g) (FIG. 2). This is 106% of the theoretical capacity for Cs⁺ (499.3 mg/g or 3.74 mmol/g). The theoretical capacity is calculated assuming that only the K⁺ ions are exchangeable. Further ion exchange of Mg²⁺ ions from the layers can account for the small excess of Cs⁺ adsorption observed. Therefore, the qm of KMS-2 is potentially higher than the theoretical maximum capacity, and could be twice as high if we assume that both K⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions can be exchanged. The maximum Sr²⁺ exchange capacity of KMS-2 was found to be 86.89 mg/g (0.99 mmol/g) (FIG. 3). This is 52% of the theoretical capacity (164.5 mg/g or 1.87 mmol/g). Sr²⁺ often exists in a hydrated form (e.g. [Sr(H₂O)₆]²⁺) and thus has larger volume. Therefore the full stoichiometric number of such ions cannot be accommodated in the interlayer space. The size of the Sr²⁺ interlayer spacing (13.8 Å) is much larger than that of Cs⁺ (8.99 Å), this additional size constraint in the Sr²⁺ reactions explains why the capacity for Sr²⁺ of KMS-2 is about half of the theoretical. The maximum distribution coefficient K_(d) value for the Cs⁺ ion exchange was found 7.1×10³ mL/g being well-comparable with those of the most efficient Cs⁺ ion exchangers. The maximum K_(d) value for the Sr²⁺ ion exchange was found 2.1×10⁴ mL/g which lies among the highest reported in the literature for Sr²⁺ adsorbents.

Competitive Cs⁺—Na⁺ and Sr²⁺—Na⁺ ion exchange experiments revealed high selectivity of KMS-2 for Cs⁺ or Sr²⁺. This is apparent when looking the distribution coefficient values of cesium or strontium being much higher than those of sodium. This selectivity of KMS-2 for Cs⁺ or Sr²⁺ against Na⁺ is highly desired for nuclear waste remediation, since the waste water usually contains very high Na⁺ concentrations.

To understand the nature of the pH effect on KMS-2 ion-exchange capability, the distribution coefficients were determined for KMS-2 with Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ at the external pH stability range for the media (pH 3 and 10). Samples of the target elements were diluted to 6 ppm with solutions of the specific acidity and a V/m ratio of ˜1000 mL/g was used. At a pH of 3 the K_(d) values were still very good, especially for Sr²⁺ (6.33×10⁴ mL/g). For Cs⁺ the K_(d) was slightly lower than that of the neutral system (8×10³ mL/g) but still good (1.18×10³ mL/g). Interestingly enough, the distribution coefficients for KMS-2 at a pH of 10 (4.56×10³ (Cs⁺), 1.45×10⁵ (Sr²⁺) mL/g) were all summarily higher than those for pH of 3 and follow the general KMS-2 trend Sr²⁺>Cs⁺.

The compounds A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺) display a capacity for exchange with soft heavy metal ions like Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺. We will describe results for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2) compound. EDS and ICP-MS data for the exchanged materials confirmed the complete removal of K⁺ ions and the presence of the heavy metal ions.

PXRD data are given in FIG. 4. Although Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ replace only the interlayer K⁺ ions, the Cd²⁺ exchanges also the intra-layer Mg²⁺ besides the K⁺ ions. The exchange of magnesium by cadmium was confirmed by EDS analysis on the solid after the ion-exchange process. In fact, the sharp peaks observed on the original KMS-2 compounds can broaden and shift, suggesting that some of the long range order in the crystalline solid is being lost. The expected powder patterns would show shifts of the layered peaks (002), (004) to higher 2-theta, as all of the tested heavy metals ions would be smaller than the K⁺ ion. The contraction of the interlayer distances (seen in the d spacing) is also consistent with the strong covalent interactions between the layers and the heavy metal ions.

Reactions were run individually to get the absolute distribution coefficient for each ion. To determine the selectivity and affinity for one ion over the other, the ions were run in competitive reactions (V/m=1000, pH ˜7) where approximately 1 ppm of each ion Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ was placed into solution. The individual reactions were very successful with KMS-2. The removal of ions by KMS-2 follows the trend: K_(d)Cd>K_(d)Pb>K_(d)Hg. The removal of Cd²⁺ ions from solution was the highest with over 99.8% removal and a K_(d) of 6.28×10⁵ mL/g. Pb²⁺ remediation followed with >98.5% removal and a K_(d) of 8.26×10⁴ mL/g. Hg²⁺ performed the worst individually with ˜97.5% removal and a K_(d) of 5.35×10⁴ mL/g. The values are summarized in Table 2 and FIG. 5.

TABLE 2 Individual and competitive ion exchange of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ by KMS-2. Ions of Interest V/m (mL/g) C₀ (ppb) C_(f) (ppb) % Removal K_(d) (mL/g) Individual Reactions Cd²⁺ 990 963 1.2-1.8 >99.8 6.28 × 10⁵ Pb²⁺ 993 884  8.9-12.9 >98.5 8.26 × 10⁴ Hg²⁺ 983 707 12.9-17.2 97.5-98.2 5.35 × 10⁴ Competitive Reactions Cd²⁺ 1003 939 0.7-1.0 >99.9 1.07 × 10⁶ Pb²⁺ 1003 909 1.8-3.6 99.6-99.8 3.78 × 10⁵ Hg²⁺ 1003 709 12.9-14.9 97.8-98.2 5.14 × 10⁴ a. Samples were prepared in triplicate and average is reported here.

Competitive reactions between Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were used to determine the affinity and selectivity in a competitive environment with similar ions (FIG. 6). The distribution coefficients surprisingly increased to 1.07×10⁶ mL/g (competitive) from 6.28×10⁵ mL/g (individual) for Cd²⁺ and to 3.78×10⁵ mL/g (competitive) from 8.26×10⁴ mL/g (individual) Pb²⁺. Understandably, the Hg²⁺ K_(d) decreased in the competitive case from 5.35×10⁴ mL/g to 5.14×10⁴ mL/g. One possible cause for the increase of Kd's of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ is that the competition creates a cooperative effect. A cooperative effect may happen when ions of different sizes enter between the layers. The interlayer may be increased or decreased resulting in a change of sorption. This phenomenon may exist because of the size discrepancies between the ions (Pb²⁺>Hg²⁺>Cd²⁺). The preference of KMS-2 for heavy metals (at 1 ppm) is: Cd²⁺>Pb²⁺>Hg²⁺. This material compares well with KMS-2.

The compounds A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺) display a capacity for exchange with toxic heavy metal ions like Cr⁶⁺, Nd³⁺. We will describe results for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2) compound. EDS and PXRD data for the exchanged materials confirmed the removal of K⁺ ions and the presence of the heavy metal ions (Table 3, FIG. 7).

TABLE 3 Selected data for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3−x)S₆ (x = 0.5-0.95, KMS-2) and its Cr⁶⁺ and Nd³⁺ exchanged analogues. KMS-2 Ion Exchange w/ Given Ions Nominal Composition Measured Composition KMS-2 K₂MgSn₂S₆ K_(1.8)Mg_(0.8)Sn_(2.02)S_(5.8) Cr⁶⁺ Cr_(0.33)MgSn₂S₆ K₁Cr_(0.06)Mg_(0.7)Sn_(2.3)S_(5.7) Nd³⁺ Nd_(0.66)MgSn₂S₆ Nd_(0.6)Mg_(0.7)Sn_(2.4)S_(6.2)

The compounds A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺) display a capacity for exchange with arsenite, arsenate, selenite and selenate. We will describe results for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2) compound. EDS, PXRD and ICP-MS data for the exchanged materials confirmed the partially removal of K⁺ ions and the presence of the heavy metal ions (Table 4, 5 and FIG. 8).

TABLE 4 Selected data for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3−x)S₆ (x = 0.5-0.95, KMS-2) and its As³⁺ and Se⁴⁺ exchanged analogues. KMS-2 Ion Exchange Nominal w/ Given Ions Composition Measured Composition KMS-2 K₂MgSn₂S₆ K_(1.8)Mg_(0.8)Sn_(2.02)S_(5.8) As³⁺ As_(0.66)MgSn₂S₆ Na_(0.88)As_(0.07)Mg_(0.8)Sn_(2.5)S_(5.7) Se⁴⁺ Se_(0.5)MgSn₂S₆ Se_(0.4)Mg_(1.4)Sn_(2.4)S_(5.8)

TABLE 5 ICP-MS results for selenite and selenate removal by KMS-2. % % V/m [Se⁴⁺]₀ [Se⁶⁺]₀ [Se⁴⁺]_(f) [Se⁶⁺]_(f) removal removal K_(d) ^(Selenite) K_(d) ^(selenate) q_(selenite) q_(selenate) mL/g ppm ppm ppm ppm Se4+ Se6+ mg/L mg/L mg/g mg/g 7416 14.82 N/A 13.33 N/A 10.1 N/A 8.28E+02 N/A 11.04 N/A 4944 N/A 17.78 N/A 16.75 N/A 5.8 N/A 3.04E+02 N/A 5.09 a. Samples were prepared in triplicate and average is reported here.

The compounds A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺) display a capability to uptake heavy metal ions like Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ from their cyanide complexes. We will describe results for K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2) compound. EDS, UV-Vis, PXRD and ICP-MS data for the exchanged materials confirmed the complete removal of the K+ and replacement of the heavy metal ions (FIGS. 9 and 10).

Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) of the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺-exchanged materials showed that they are isostructural with the pristine KMS-2 confirming a topotactic ion exchange. A shift of the (002) and (004) Bragg peaks to lower 2θ value (higher d-spacing) in Hg²⁺-exchanged KMS-2 revealed an expansion of the interlayer distance (from 8.42 to 11.23 Å). Both expansion and contraction of the interlayer distance (from 8.42 to 11.09 and to 6.56 Å) have been observed in Ag⁺-exchanged KMS-2 (FIG. 11). However, the presence of any type of positive charged complexes e.g. Hg(CN)⁺ and Ag₂(CN)⁺ between the layers can be excluded, at least on the IR, as CN bond never observed (FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B)).

To evaluate the selectivity of KMS-2 to remove Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ from their cyanide complexes we performed competitive ion exchange studies using the batch method at pH ˜10 (mimicking the mining waste pH). At molar ratio of Hg²⁺:Ag⁺:KMS-2 1:2:1, absorption of the Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ occurred even in much higher initial concentrations of these cations (above ˜97% of both ions have been adsorbed), because of the partially replacement of the Mg²⁺ with the exchanged ions. Considering Mg²⁺ as an additional exchangeable site, a series of ion-exchange experiments have been performed using the molar ratio of Hg²⁺:Ag⁺:KMS-2 2:4:1. These experiments revealed that KMS-2 is more selective toward absorbing Hg²⁺ that Ag⁺ (77% removal for Hg and 37% for Ag). Results are tabulated in Table 6.

TABLE 6 ICP-MS results for competitive ion-exchange of KMS-2 with K₂Hg(CN)₄ and KAg(CN)₂ at pH of 10. % % KMS:Ag:Hg V/m [Ag]₀ [Hg]₀ [Ag]_(f) [Hg]_(f) removal removal K_(d) ^(Ag) K_(d) ^(Hg) q_(Ag) q_(Hg) eq mL/g ppm ppm ppm ppm Ag Hg mg/L mg/L mg/g mg/g 1:2:1 10000 41.98 28.36 1.13 0.46 97.29 98.4 3.60E+05 6.05E+05 408.46 279.05 1:2:2 14800 28.36 51.02 3.88 0.68 86.29 98.6 9.32E+04 1.09E+06 362.28 744.88 1:4:1 15200 55.24 24.84 13.58 0.89 75.41 96.4 4.66E+04 4.07E+05 633.18 363.91 1:4:2 2000 382.3 382.63 146.28 86.55 37.0 77.4 1.18E+03 6.84E+03 283.20 592.16 1:4:4 3000 254.86 510.18 130.03 188.8 31.1 63.0 1.36E+03 5.11E+03 238.10 964.14 1:8:2 3000 509.73 255.09 130.03 81.54 21.9 68.0 8.43E+02 6.39E+03 335.50 520.65

To fully study the ion exchange behavior of the KMS-2, we investigated the kinetics of the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ ion exchange using the batch method. The ion exchange studies have been performed at pH ˜10 in order to mimic the mining waste conditions. The initial and final concentrations of the metal ions were determined by ICP-MS. The maximum initial concentrations of the ions used were just high enough to saturate the exchanged sites of KMS-2. Within ˜3 hours of the solution/KMS-2 contact, Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ exchange reached their equilibrium with more than 99.9% of their initial amounts removed from the solution (FIG. 13). The high mobility of the interlayer K⁺ ions and the high affinity of the soft basic framework for soft Lewis acids can be considered as the main reasons for the fast Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ removals.

In order to recover the elemental Ag from the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺-loaded KMS-2, the exchanged material was heated over 450° C. for 48 h. Hg was sublimated and analyzed by EDS and powder X-ray diffraction to be HgS at the top end of the tube which was placed outside of the furnace. The structure of the residue was confirmed to be a known phase of Ag_(3.84)Sn₃S₈ based on PXRD and EDS analyses (FIGS. 14 and 15). Elemental Ag was then recovered from this residue by dissolving it in acid and reducing the Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ (FIG. 16).

High tendency of S atoms to bind with heavy metal ions may act as a driving force to further dissociate the cyanide complexes, therefore, the adsorption characteristics of the Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ remained unchanged compared to that of the metal only systems. This is of importance due to either further recovery of the precious metals such as Ag or removal of the toxic heavy metals such as Hg from the waste waters towards purification of the water.

One skilled in the art will readily realize that all ranges discussed can and do necessarily also describe all subranges therein for all purposes and that all such subranges also form part and parcel of this invention. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.

All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

We present new synthetic method for the preparation of K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95). Similar procedures can be followed for synthesis of other members of the families of materials A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95; A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺; M=Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺).

Synthesis of K_(2x)Mg_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ (x=0.5-0.95, KMS-2)

A) Solid state synthesis (i): K₂CO₃ (0.1878 mol, 25.963 g), Mg (0.1878 mol, 4.566 g), Sn (0.3757 mol, 44.599 g) and S (1.1896 mol, 38.147 g) were combined and loaded in a 250 mL grinding jar under nitrogen atmosphere in a glovebox. The mixture was ball-milled at 100 rpm for 1 minute and at 250 rpm for 30 minutes. 50 g of the ball-milled material was placed in a large quartz tube under N₂ atmosphere. A secured balloon was attached at the end of the reaction tube in order to absorb the created pressure of the CO₂ evolution. The mixture was heated gradually to 200° C. where it was kept for 5 h before being successfully brought to 850° C. for 8 h. Well-formed yellow plate-shaped crystals were obtained by air quenching. The material was washed with H₂O to remove any unreacted material and soluble by-products, and then with acetone (˜60-65% yield based on the total mass). The empirical formula for the product of the solid state reaction determined by single crystal diffraction measurements was K_(1.38)Mg_(0.69)Sn_(1.31) S₄.

B) Hydrothermal synthesis (ii): K₂CO₃ (0.1878 mol, 25.963 g), Mg (0.1878 mol, 4.566 g), Sn (0.3757 mol, 44.599 g) and S (1.1896 mol, 38.147 g) were combined and loaded in a 250 mL grinding jar under nitrogen atmosphere in a glovebox. The mixture was ball-milled at 100 rpm for 1 minute and at 250 rpm for 30 minutes. The ball-milled material was placed into a glass beaker and water was added drop wisely while stirring under air until it became like dough. Reaction is highly exothermic, care should be taken. The pre-reacted material was placed into a large Teflon-lined stainless steel Autoclave. The autoclave was kept in an oven at about 220° C. for 4 h. The products were isolated in air by soaking in water, filtration and washed with deionized water, ethanol and acetone. Under microscopic observation, the product consisted of yellow hexagonal plate-like crystals (FIG. 17). The yield was about 80-90% based on the total mass.

Ion-Exchange Studies.

The Cs⁺, Sr²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Nd³⁺, As³⁺, As⁵⁺, Se⁴⁺ and Se⁶⁺ uptake from solutions of various concentrations were studied by the batch method at a volume to mass ratio of about 1000 mL/g, room temperature and 12-15 h contact time.

The distribution coefficient K_(d), used for the determination of the affinity and selectivity of materials for Cs⁺, Sr²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Se⁴⁺ and Se⁶⁺ is given by the equation:

${K_{d} = \frac{V\left\lbrack {\left( {C_{0} - C_{f}} \right)/C_{f}} \right\rbrack}{m}};$

where C_(o) and C_(f) are the initial and equilibrium concentration of M^(n+) (ppm), V is the volume (ml) of the testing solution and m is the amount of the ion exchanger (g) used in the experiment.

Physical Measurements.

Powder patterns were obtained using a CPS 120 INEL X-ray powder diffractometer with Ni-filtered Cu Kα radiation operating at 40 kV and 20 mA and equipped with a position-sensitive detector. Samples were ground and spread on a glass slide.

Powders were imaged by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the relative atomic composition was determined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). A Hitachi S-3400N-II system was used with 25.0 kV acceleration voltages, a 60 s acquisition time and the ESED II detector for elemental analysis. Carbon and oxygen content from EDS data were excluded from the calculation of relative elemental composition ratios for accuracy.

Cs⁺, Sr²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, Se⁴⁺ and Se⁶⁺ were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) using a computer-controlled Thermo Elemental (Waltham, Mass.) PQ ExCell Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer with a quadruple setup. Ten standards of the various cations in the range of 1-40 ppb were prepared by diluting commercial (Aldrich or GFS chemical) about 1000 ppm solutions of these cations. The samples were diluted to lower the concentrations below than 40 ppb. All samples (including standards) were prepared in a 5% nitric acid solution with 1 ppb 153Eu internal standard in order to correct for instrumental drift and matrix effects during analysis.

Infrared spectra (IR) in the mid-IR region [4000−400 cm⁻¹, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) method] were recorded with a computer-controlled Nicolet 750 Magna-IR series II spectrometer equipped with a TGS/PE detector and silicon beam splitter in 2-cm⁻¹ resolution.

UV/vis/near-IR diffuse reflectance spectra were obtained at room temperature on a Shimadzu UV-3010 PC double beam, double monochromator spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 200-2500 nm. BaSO4 powder was used as a reference (100% reflectance) and base material on which the powder sample was coated. The reflectance data were converted to absorption using the Kubelka-Munck function, and the band edge for each sample was estimated from the intercept of the line extrapolated from the high-energy end of the absorption to the baseline.

A Bruker APEX2 CCD diffractometer was used with a synchrotron radiation of 0.41328 Å operating at 293K was used for the data collection. Cell refinement, data reduction and numerical absorption correction were carried out using Bruker AXS suite program. The intensities were extracted by the program XPREP. The structures were solved with direct methods using SHELXS and least square refinement were done against F_(obs2) using routines from SHELXTL software. Because of the large thermal displacement factors of the K atoms in the structure, the refinement of these atoms was restrained to achieve charge balance. This was carried out using the JANA crystallographic program.

C) Hydrothermal synthesis (iii): In this example, M (Mg) is provided in the form of a metal salt. K₂CO₃ (0.19 mol), MgCl₂ (or MgCO₃, Mg(NO₃)₂) (0.19 mol.), Sn (0.3757 mol.) and S (1.1896 mol.) were combined and loaded in a 250 mL grinding jar under nitrogen atmosphere in a glovebox. The mixture was ball-milled at 100 rpm for 1 min and at 250 rpm for 10 to 30 min. Alternatively the mixture can be mixed using a grinder. The mixture material was then placed into a glass beaker and water was added drop wisely while stirring under air until it became like dough. Reaction is highly exothermic, care should be taken. The pre-reacted material was placed into a large Teflon-lined stainless steel Autoclave. The autoclave was kept in an oven at about 200-220° C. for 2-4 h. The products were isolated in air by soaking in water, filtration and washed with deionized water, ethanol and acetone. Under microscopic observation, the product consisted of yellow hexagonal plate-like crystals in at least 80% yield.

While several, non-limiting examples have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for the synthesis of a compound of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺, or Cs⁺; and M is Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, or Fe²⁺, wherein the method is a solid state method comprising heating a reaction mixture of A₂CO₃, M, S and Sn to a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce the compound of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, via a solid state reaction.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction mixture consists of A₂CO₃, M, S and Sn.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein heating the reaction mixture comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of no greater than about 1000° C. for a time of no greater than about 15 hours and further wherein the method provides a yield of the compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ of at least about 50%, based on total mass.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising ball milling the reaction mixture prior to heating.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein A is K⁺ and M is Mg²⁺.
 6. A method for the synthesis of a compound of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li⁺, Na⁺, Rb⁺, or Cs⁺; and M is Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, or Fe²⁺, wherein the method is a hydrothermal method comprising heating a reaction mixture of A₂CO₃, M, S, Sn and water to a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce the compound of the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, via a hydrothermal reaction, and further wherein heating the reaction mixture comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of no greater than about 250° C. for a time of no greater than about 10 hours and further wherein the method provides a yield of the compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ of at least about 70%, based on total mass.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein heating the reaction mixture comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of no greater than about 220° C. for a time of no greater than about 5 hours and further wherein the method provides a yield of the compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆ of at least about 80%, based on total mass.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising ball milling the mixture of A₂CO₃, M, S, Sn prior to adding the water.
 9. A method comprising: exposing a fluid sample comprising at least one of Cr⁶⁺, Nd³⁺, As³⁺, As⁵⁺, Se⁴⁺, and Se⁶⁺ ions to a chalcogenide compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, or Rb⁺ and M is Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, whereby the chalcogenide compound absorbs the ions; and removing the absorbed ions from the fluid sample.
 10. A method comprising: exposing a fluid sample comprising at least one of the compounds K₂Hg(CN)₄ and KAg(CN)₂ to a chalcogenide compound having the formula A_(2x)M_(x)Sn_(3-x)S₆, where x has a value in the range from 0.5 to 1; A is Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, or Rb⁺; and M is Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, or Fe²⁺, whereby the chalcogenide compound absorbs Hg²⁺ or Ag²⁺ ions; and removing the absorbed ions from the fluid sample.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid sample comprises a product produced by ore leaching. 